In 2023, Alachua County unveiled Bounce, an interactive, sports-themed sculpture designed by Monochronicle Network artist Jenn Garrett, at the newly constructed Sports Event Center in Gainesville, Florida. The sculpture stands as a celebration of athleticism and community, perfectly reflecting the energy and movement inherent in the sports hosted at the center, including basketball, volleyball, pickleball, cheerleading, and track events. Bounce is not just a visual treat but a participatory artwork that invites athletes and visitors to engage with the piece, turning it into an iconic landmark for the facility.

Design and Location

The sculpture spans the exterior of the ±143,892-square-foot Sports Event Center at Celebration Pointe. Composed of durable, low-maintenance stainless steel with colorful finishes, Bounce mimics the path of various sports balls in mid-air, with arcs tracing their bounce trajectories. The sculpture’s exaggerated forms—such as the oversized 36-inch basketball and massive volleyballs—reflect the sports played at the venue. Visitors can interact with the sculpture, taking group photos and immersing themselves in the “bounce” of the artwork, making it a playful yet integral part of the facility’s identity.

Project Requirements

The project budget was $55,000, covering design, materials, fabrication, and installation, as well as long-term maintenance considerations. The goals of the sculpture project were to:

• Create a visually striking piece that reflects the dynamic nature of sports and complements the sports event facility.
• Ensure the sculpture is made from materials with a life expectancy of at least 100 years and resistant to vandalism, with easy-to-maintain surfaces.
• Enhance the exterior environment of the Sports Event Center, turning it into a gathering space and symbol of the athletic events it hosts.
• Engage the community, athletes, and visitors by offering a work of art that people can interact with.

Artist and Community Involvement

• Jenn Garrett (Artist): Known for her large-scale, functional public art, Jenn designed Bounce to be not only durable but also interactive. She combined artistry with practical considerations, ensuring the lower portions of the sculpture could be easily touched up on-site while the upper elements could be removed for more detailed work if necessary. This design philosophy emphasizes longevity and low-maintenance while maintaining artistic integrity.
• Leadership by the Alachua County Arts Council: The project was supported by the Alachua County Arts Council. Their vision and commitment to public art helped ensure that Bounce became not only a focal point for the Sports Event Center but also a symbol of the area’s dedication to enhancing the cultural and visual landscape through creative endeavors.

Sports-Themed Sculpture Execution

The design process for Bounce prioritized both aesthetic appeal and practicality. Weighing over one ton, the sculpture features elements that are easy to maintain thanks to Jenn’s meticulous planning. The use of low/no-maintenance materials ensures that the sculpture will endure Gainesville’s weather conditions while maintaining its vibrant finish. Each sports ball, from the massive volleyballs to the dynamic pickleballs, was crafted with precision to invite visitors to engage with the artwork in a playful, interactive manner.

Throughout the installation, Jenn collaborated with local engineers and contractors to ensure the sculpture’s stability and alignment with safety regulations. Her experience in designing public art meant that every aspect of the work, from its structural integrity to its artistic message, was thoroughly planned and executed.

Impact and Results

• Cultural and Social Significance: The Bounce sculpture has quickly become an iconic feature at the Alachua County Sports Event Center. Its dynamic design aligns perfectly with the energy of the sports events it represents, offering a space where athletes and spectators can gather and interact with the art.
• Metaphor for Athletic Excellence: The arcs and frozen bounces of the sculpture symbolize the trajectory of athletic achievement. Just as a ball follows a path, so do the athletes who visit the center, constantly striving to reach new heights and break through boundaries.
• Local Landmark: Since its installation, Bounce has drawn significant attention from both local residents and visitors, serving as a photo-friendly landmark and enhancing the sense of place within Celebration Pointe. Its engaging design has helped attract businesses and visitors, transforming the space into a hub of activity and interaction.

Conclusion

The Bounce sports-themed sculpture at the Alachua County Sports Event Center serves as a testament to the power of public art to transform spaces, inspire communities, and reflect the values of the surrounding environment. Designed with both artistic vision and practical longevity in mind, Bounce not only beautifies the exterior of the Sports Event Center but also acts as a gathering point for athletes and visitors alike. Through thoughtful design and community involvement, Bounce has become a symbol of the dynamic, inclusive spirit that defines Gainesville’s sporting and cultural scene.

A Call to Action
The success of the Bounce project exemplifies the impact that public art can have in sports and community spaces. By integrating creativity with functionality, Alachua County has demonstrated how art can elevate a space beyond its primary use, making it a destination in its own right. Genn Garrett was selected through an open call via the Monochronicle platform.  We hope this project inspires other cities to invest in public art as a way to enrich their environments and celebrate their communities’ unique energy and spirit.

Publications

1. 1. The Gainesville Sun: “Local sculpture ‘Bounce’ brings energy and artistry to Alachua County Sports Event Center.” Retrieved from https://www.gainesville.com/picture-gallery/news/2023/09/28/bounce-sculpture-at-alachua-county-sports-event-center-gainesville/70993766007/
   2. Alachua County Arts Council: The Arts Council’s page details the commissioning of the “Bounce” sculpture, created as part of the Art in Public Places program. Retrieved from https://alachuacounty.us/news/Article/Pages/Bounce-Sculpture-Installation-Coming-Thursday-.aspx